I suppose, it’s time for another one of those big steps in life. Last year was a marked change in my life, nd today is another one of those times I’m feeling very reflective. I spent the day with Jonathon and Grace, mostly J, cleaning and disposing of "stufF" This is the last weekend that I’ll have a residence in Georgia. And that’s a little sad. Sure I love the place in Louisville, but it’s currently missing something. Actually a lot of somethings.
So, Its a year ago I took a plunge and gave up residential independence and took on some roommates. Specifically Jonathon and Joe. I’d known them for a while and I was sure they would be fine roommates, namely since they are pilots and never home. I thought it would be great. I pay a significantly reduced rent and they’re almost never here. And when they were, they usually had Grace and Tanya in tow. SO essentially it was a party every random day we were home at once. Then the weird thing happened, I kind of started looking forward to seeing them around. I mean, Joe and I have that special relationship, the kind that only be properly expressed by twirling in the aisles of Kroger and Publix.
And then Joe abandoned us for a woman... a WOMAN!!! Fortunately it was Tanya, we all love her so we had to let him go. And some how, through the miracle of Craig’s List, Adam came knocking on the door. We all met him one day, and by "we all" I mean the entire judging panel of Grace, Tanya, Jon, Joe, and I. Of course it was like 3 pm on a Wednesday or something and we were all well into a 12 pack of something cold and delicious. I don’t think Adam knew what kind of group he was getting associated with, or he probably would have paid us for the privilege of moving in. And again, we had a triumvirate again. Now I don’t think I’m the cleanest person to live with, but I’m not slob (I hope), but J and Adam were the neatest, cleanest guys I can imagine. Add to that they cook. I scored big time.
MY only previous roommate experience was living with Chandra, which was great and I didn’t think I’d ever find a roommate situation that was as fun as her. Jon, Joe, and then Adam were almost there. Chandra had few extra benefits that the guys couldn’t provide for me. Thankfully.
But I digress...
So, here we are. Adam brought free coffee and gourmet meals, and in return we introduced him to our version of a "pool party". And we were living happily ever after. Unfortunately good turns of life conspired to split us up. I took the job with Brown, Adam had plans to see the world, an J decided to become Captain Lewis (which is what he makes his call him as we salute him when he enters the room now... is that weird?)
We still continued to have fun gatherings, rarely an organized party. We just all sort of ended up here with adult beverages in tow. Somewhere along the way I became closer friends with some people, met new friends, and fell madly in love. I also found out how wonderful the people I surrounded myself with are. I’ve always had great taste in the people I choose to keep around me as friends, even if sometimes I tend to choose badly in the love interest department. (That curse has been cured though).
So it’s really bumming me out that I won’t have them with me in Kentuckiana. And while I know I’m only a flight away, it makes things that much more complicated, and the "on a whim" gathering for Grey’s Anatomy night or Trivia won’t be happening. That’s kind of saddening.
But I guess this is the next phase of life. At least I’m not going it alone. I have Susan who makes me incredibly happy. I’ll have Grace and Jon adn TanJoe and Cha’s who all fly free, and damn well better come visit. I do expect to continue to be on invite lists for the infamous halloween parties and other gatherings at Jay and Amie’s new house. I know where Jersey lives and she’s has been gracious enough to offer me space at the inn when I’m town. There will be an excursion to visit Adam in his next job (and Susan may join me if she will ever get her passport). JR will still be occasionally picking me up at 6 am for rides, whether he knows it or not. And he better keep inviting me to the Brauss House for NASCAR parties (though I have no idea who drives anymore).
I will miss the apartment here, it was nothing spectacular structurally, and the furniture left something to be desired at times. But it was fun living here with great people. Even Ryan would put in th occasional appearance when not living in the shithole of the month. Too bad I never got to keep the BMW, I would have take great care of it!
There are a lot of memories in the walls, and stains in the carpet. I can only hope the next place will be as much fun. I’ll be seeing everyone at random times. Now, for some sleep for the last time at 1037.
See ya, I’m off to Louisville in the morning, where theres beer in the fridge, bourbon on the shelf, vodka in the freezer, and sushi at the corner. I expect people to come partake!
And lastly, I think everyone should check out my hot girlfriend and her new haircut. She doesn’t believe me when I tell her I think it looks great. I’m a very lucky man.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
this is the end, my only friend, the end.
I’m back i Louisville, though this time it’s not nearly as wonderful as the last time. Though I do have furniture now, which is a nice change. However, it was a bit of a trying time getting here. After waking up with a headache and stomach that wanted to kill me, Jersey ran me up to the airport to catch a flight home, or so I had hoped. I didn’t make the first one, and the second one wasn’t looking to good either, as I was the third jumpseater on the list. So I went with plan B and launched up to Cincinnati. ANd fro there a quick flight over to Louisville.
And then the plan fell apart. Apparently the Brazilians can’ build and aiplane that can cary all 50 passengers and their luggage from CVG to SDF. Now, while I could understand if this was some long trans oceanic journey, but its an hour drive by car. Did the Brazilians not envision these planes would actually fly full?? Perhaps they should stick to developing waxing techniques and leave plane building to the professionals.
That being said, after being bumped from the 4:50 flight, I was unwilling to wait and chance it on the next one, which leaves a mere 3 hours later. Did I mention it’s an hour drive? SO, I found a fellow UPSer ho was trying to jump to SDF also, and we split the costs on a rental.
Ok, i must point out once again how great the last week has been. Spending so much time with Susan was awesome, and being total tourists here rocked. Then this weekend, I put alot of stuff away and the apartment in PTC is a shell of it former self. This weekend is the last weekend of our residence there. Saturday, there was a small group of us, sitting on the floor and lawn chairs (no other furniture was left intact) drinking ourselves silly. And we were silly. Some mroe than others. I’m really going to miss that.
Well, tomorrow its back to work and training, lets see if I can remember what goes on there.
And then the plan fell apart. Apparently the Brazilians can’ build and aiplane that can cary all 50 passengers and their luggage from CVG to SDF. Now, while I could understand if this was some long trans oceanic journey, but its an hour drive by car. Did the Brazilians not envision these planes would actually fly full?? Perhaps they should stick to developing waxing techniques and leave plane building to the professionals.
That being said, after being bumped from the 4:50 flight, I was unwilling to wait and chance it on the next one, which leaves a mere 3 hours later. Did I mention it’s an hour drive? SO, I found a fellow UPSer ho was trying to jump to SDF also, and we split the costs on a rental.
Ok, i must point out once again how great the last week has been. Spending so much time with Susan was awesome, and being total tourists here rocked. Then this weekend, I put alot of stuff away and the apartment in PTC is a shell of it former self. This weekend is the last weekend of our residence there. Saturday, there was a small group of us, sitting on the floor and lawn chairs (no other furniture was left intact) drinking ourselves silly. And we were silly. Some mroe than others. I’m really going to miss that.
Well, tomorrow its back to work and training, lets see if I can remember what goes on there.
Friday, March 14, 2008
This way became my journey, this day ends together, far and away
A brief synopsis of the last few days. In a word, wonderful!! Having Susan up here has been great, and we’ve had a nice vacation in the Louisville area. Some of the highlights:
We stopped a comedy club, which is apparently a few blocks away, and of course we were sat fairl close to the front. As we were late arrivals, there was little choice. It was great and very funny. The headliner was some one (Jim McCall) who hs been on TV. Nice. And I was called out and ased various questions, and of course, I blew it.
However earlier in the day, we experienced some local culture at the Frazier International History Museum. Which is some what of a misnomer. It should be called the Frazier Armory. It was essentially a history of weaponry. Still very neat, and there was an exhibit from the Henrietta Marie, a sunken slave ship. Very dark time in history, and it was very interesting to see.
After that, we took a walk across the street, and learned the history and intricacies of baseball bat production. Apparently, they make Louisville Slugger bats here in Louisville. So it’s not just a clever name after all! Now i’m not much of a hero worship kind of guy, but I was kind of giddy about touching the source bats for Andruw Jones and Jeff Francour (The source bat is the the bat the players specified, and all the other bats they order are lathed from that model). There were a few others there, but those are the ones I remember.
Today, Susan and I ventured out toward Lexington. We toured the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distillery. We all know what a fan of whiskey (or in the case of Scotch, Whisky) I am, and it was very interesting to see the step by step production of a bourbon, even discovering what is required for a whiskey to be called, by law, ’bourbon’. And the distillery itself is located down some back roads that wind through some thoroughbred farms. I half think that was the best part for Susan, stopping and watching the foals run in the pastures.
After the distillery tour, capped with a sample shot of the product, we headed to the Kentucky Horse Park. This was of course all Susan’s expedition. It;s the off season there, but there were lots of animals for seeing and petting. And I honestly wouldn’t mind goin to see some more there. Could be fun.
Unfortunately, tomorrow is the beginning of the end. We’re heading out to the ATL, and return to check the apartment for the remains of the year there. And clean sme I think.
Of course, I won’t be seeing Grace since she ditched me for a free trip to PVR. But I’ll spend some time with my BFF and probably aggrevate Ryan at some point. (That’s Ryan’s gratuitous mention, it does wonders for his slouching self esteem if he thinks others are interested in him).
I have to say, Louisville isn’t all bad, and I hope everyone comes up to visit, maybe a party is in order during the summer. Or derby time!
We stopped a comedy club, which is apparently a few blocks away, and of course we were sat fairl close to the front. As we were late arrivals, there was little choice. It was great and very funny. The headliner was some one (Jim McCall) who hs been on TV. Nice. And I was called out and ased various questions, and of course, I blew it.
However earlier in the day, we experienced some local culture at the Frazier International History Museum. Which is some what of a misnomer. It should be called the Frazier Armory. It was essentially a history of weaponry. Still very neat, and there was an exhibit from the Henrietta Marie, a sunken slave ship. Very dark time in history, and it was very interesting to see.
After that, we took a walk across the street, and learned the history and intricacies of baseball bat production. Apparently, they make Louisville Slugger bats here in Louisville. So it’s not just a clever name after all! Now i’m not much of a hero worship kind of guy, but I was kind of giddy about touching the source bats for Andruw Jones and Jeff Francour (The source bat is the the bat the players specified, and all the other bats they order are lathed from that model). There were a few others there, but those are the ones I remember.
Today, Susan and I ventured out toward Lexington. We toured the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distillery. We all know what a fan of whiskey (or in the case of Scotch, Whisky) I am, and it was very interesting to see the step by step production of a bourbon, even discovering what is required for a whiskey to be called, by law, ’bourbon’. And the distillery itself is located down some back roads that wind through some thoroughbred farms. I half think that was the best part for Susan, stopping and watching the foals run in the pastures.
After the distillery tour, capped with a sample shot of the product, we headed to the Kentucky Horse Park. This was of course all Susan’s expedition. It;s the off season there, but there were lots of animals for seeing and petting. And I honestly wouldn’t mind goin to see some more there. Could be fun.
Unfortunately, tomorrow is the beginning of the end. We’re heading out to the ATL, and return to check the apartment for the remains of the year there. And clean sme I think.
Of course, I won’t be seeing Grace since she ditched me for a free trip to PVR. But I’ll spend some time with my BFF and probably aggrevate Ryan at some point. (That’s Ryan’s gratuitous mention, it does wonders for his slouching self esteem if he thinks others are interested in him).
I have to say, Louisville isn’t all bad, and I hope everyone comes up to visit, maybe a party is in order during the summer. Or derby time!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Where the heart is
Greetings from Northen Kentucky. Yes, there is still snow on the ground. Even though its50 degrees out and sunny, this stuff just won’t melt. Well, most of it has disappeared considering there was a foot or so Saturday. I’m happy it’s still here though, Susan can’t seem to walk by a pile without jumping in it. It’s very cute and endearing.
SPeaking of Susan, she’s visiting and been incredibly helpful at etting up the new place. Apparently I didn;t know what all I needed, but she has been helpful in pointing it out. it’s good though, it’s the normal stuff that I would do ithout and just improvise around, but this does make things much easier. There are some things I till need, and ideas about how to improve things. Mostlye little tweaks here and there.
But it’s starting to feel more like home, and that’s good. I realized that this is the first time I’ve actually been ehre during the day. I’ve only been sleeping and going to work, and not fully appreciating having my own place again. I am going to miss have kewl kickass roommates, but this is going to be a nice change.
Oh, and there’s a kickass Sushi/Japanese place around the corner. Its very good, better (IMHO) that Mr. Fuji. Well, its time that we go exploring the kentuckiana area. I look forward to having all my friends come and visit.
AMF
SPeaking of Susan, she’s visiting and been incredibly helpful at etting up the new place. Apparently I didn;t know what all I needed, but she has been helpful in pointing it out. it’s good though, it’s the normal stuff that I would do ithout and just improvise around, but this does make things much easier. There are some things I till need, and ideas about how to improve things. Mostlye little tweaks here and there.
But it’s starting to feel more like home, and that’s good. I realized that this is the first time I’ve actually been ehre during the day. I’ve only been sleeping and going to work, and not fully appreciating having my own place again. I am going to miss have kewl kickass roommates, but this is going to be a nice change.
Oh, and there’s a kickass Sushi/Japanese place around the corner. Its very good, better (IMHO) that Mr. Fuji. Well, its time that we go exploring the kentuckiana area. I look forward to having all my friends come and visit.
AMF
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
anyone for boat drinks?
OK, first off, for those who may be remaining in the ATL, Jimmy Buffett tickets go on sale monday at 10 AM for a June show at Lakewood. I'm thinking of getting some lawn seats and just chilling at the party. Perhaps with a pretty girl (that's you Susan) and a few cocktails. SO, anyone interested??
looks like the cheap seat are going for under $40.
And thats really all I had to say, I am debating whether I should go to the beer night down the road or stay home and not spend the money. FIrst 50 people get a free glass. And we know how much I need another pint glass! Being responsible is not fun.
So we're spose tog et 2-4 inches of snow friday, that should make flying home sporting. I'll manage. And really, thats about it. Its a nice day out here, though a little cold, but the sun is out and it's good to be off work.
I'm very much looking forward to being moved in here, though not so much looking forward to the actual moving part. Or the part where I'm not where all the friends are. SO, I think everyone should move here! Problem solved.
AMF!
looks like the cheap seat are going for under $40.
And thats really all I had to say, I am debating whether I should go to the beer night down the road or stay home and not spend the money. FIrst 50 people get a free glass. And we know how much I need another pint glass! Being responsible is not fun.
So we're spose tog et 2-4 inches of snow friday, that should make flying home sporting. I'll manage. And really, thats about it. Its a nice day out here, though a little cold, but the sun is out and it's good to be off work.
I'm very much looking forward to being moved in here, though not so much looking forward to the actual moving part. Or the part where I'm not where all the friends are. SO, I think everyone should move here! Problem solved.
AMF!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Everywhere you go, take the weather with you.
Ok, this is going to be a bumpy ride. Like my flight back to Louisville. I left Atlanta in a pleasant, albeit about soon to end, spring-like state. We flew into Louisville and landed in the driving rain and cold. I was also less than enthused by the pilots arguing over foot positions. it made for a little tension. But, I landed safe and sound. And then was soaked getting to the van. Boohoo.
And while we're on the weather, it was reported on FoxNews that currently the northern hemisphere has more snow coverage than in the last however many years and the temperatures are .0725 or something of a degree cooler than recent years. So obviously, according to the well dressed people on the screen, the Global Warming thing is a farce and this is proof. Nevermind a decade of research and evidence and a Oscar winning performance by Al Gore (which also irritates me a little but thats for another time), this temperature decrease proves it all wrong! Has anyone not noticed the weatehrs become slightly more screwy of late and significantly more severe?
Continuing with the weather theme, lets talk about the positives of the alleged liberal plot known as global warming. (I seriously need to stop watching FoxNews 10 hours a day at work). This past weekend Spring popped out in Atlanta. People were outside, families played in the yards (or apartment parking lots), pasty white legs were exposed to sunlight for the first time in months. I truly enjoy the first inklings of winter's demise. Everyone seems so much happier when they can be outside and leave the doors open to let fresh air in without pneumonia fallowing closely. And then theres the benefit of being able to ride a motorcycle without sheathing yourself in a entire cows worth of leather for warmth.
The weekend before last was slightly cooler, but you could see everyone itching to be outside. And it seems slightly forced sometimes. It's warm enough for shorts and shirt sleeves in direct sunlight, and we'll suffer through the chills to convince ourselves winter is over.
And then you get snow 2 days later just so old man Winer can get one last "screw you" in.
I think I've got most all the addresses on bills and stuff like that changed. Though It would be nice if i could just move and leave the debt in Georia Apparently i doesn't work that way. And now I'm an official Kentuckianan. I took a break from "work" today and went and turned in the Georgia driver's license for a new picturesque Kentucky one, complete with a damn horse outline on it. I also ave registered to vote here. An unlike Georgia, they make you declare a party. I didn't really like the options I was presented in that area, and seriously thought for a moment of marking the "Other" block and writing in Whigs or Labour or Jedi. But instead, I'm now a registered Democrat. I'm not sure how I feel about that honestly.
On the way home, I visited a bank and opened a checking account. While we were doing that, he offered me a credit card since I qualified. And it realy makes me wonder, how much debt do you have to have to make them say "Hey, maybe we shouldn't let this guy have any more new credit cards"? So I applied, it should be here by next week.
So, now armed with my new license; which I wish i had planned ahead for, I'm a big fan of my hair and wardrobe the picture; and my new checking account I shall go forth and conquer the world.
In other news, had a nice weekend at home, dinner made of J's food prepared by Grace, with Jersey providing a good bit of the entertainment for the meal. And then random outings with random people, and even some time was spent just sitting outside at Starbuck's with J sipping iced coffee creations. There was a long motorcycle ride that ended at mom's house, were the bike has taken up residence for a few months.
This coming weekend promises to be better, by the virtue that I get to be with Susan for an entire week! Unless she gets tired of me and decides to use her Southwest gift certificate to fly home. The only downside is I have to move furniture. But that is far outweighed by the pluses. Well, that's all. Theres discussion of one last gathering at the old apartment before giving it up. Of course it will be BYOB, and BYO food, and BO chairs, and BYO cups, and BYO plates.
Hope all are good, and I really didn't apply for a new credit card. I'm not looking for more debt. AMF!
And while we're on the weather, it was reported on FoxNews that currently the northern hemisphere has more snow coverage than in the last however many years and the temperatures are .0725 or something of a degree cooler than recent years. So obviously, according to the well dressed people on the screen, the Global Warming thing is a farce and this is proof. Nevermind a decade of research and evidence and a Oscar winning performance by Al Gore (which also irritates me a little but thats for another time), this temperature decrease proves it all wrong! Has anyone not noticed the weatehrs become slightly more screwy of late and significantly more severe?
Continuing with the weather theme, lets talk about the positives of the alleged liberal plot known as global warming. (I seriously need to stop watching FoxNews 10 hours a day at work). This past weekend Spring popped out in Atlanta. People were outside, families played in the yards (or apartment parking lots), pasty white legs were exposed to sunlight for the first time in months. I truly enjoy the first inklings of winter's demise. Everyone seems so much happier when they can be outside and leave the doors open to let fresh air in without pneumonia fallowing closely. And then theres the benefit of being able to ride a motorcycle without sheathing yourself in a entire cows worth of leather for warmth.
The weekend before last was slightly cooler, but you could see everyone itching to be outside. And it seems slightly forced sometimes. It's warm enough for shorts and shirt sleeves in direct sunlight, and we'll suffer through the chills to convince ourselves winter is over.
And then you get snow 2 days later just so old man Winer can get one last "screw you" in.
I think I've got most all the addresses on bills and stuff like that changed. Though It would be nice if i could just move and leave the debt in Georia Apparently i doesn't work that way. And now I'm an official Kentuckianan. I took a break from "work" today and went and turned in the Georgia driver's license for a new picturesque Kentucky one, complete with a damn horse outline on it. I also ave registered to vote here. An unlike Georgia, they make you declare a party. I didn't really like the options I was presented in that area, and seriously thought for a moment of marking the "Other" block and writing in Whigs or Labour or Jedi. But instead, I'm now a registered Democrat. I'm not sure how I feel about that honestly.
On the way home, I visited a bank and opened a checking account. While we were doing that, he offered me a credit card since I qualified. And it realy makes me wonder, how much debt do you have to have to make them say "Hey, maybe we shouldn't let this guy have any more new credit cards"? So I applied, it should be here by next week.
So, now armed with my new license; which I wish i had planned ahead for, I'm a big fan of my hair and wardrobe the picture; and my new checking account I shall go forth and conquer the world.
In other news, had a nice weekend at home, dinner made of J's food prepared by Grace, with Jersey providing a good bit of the entertainment for the meal. And then random outings with random people, and even some time was spent just sitting outside at Starbuck's with J sipping iced coffee creations. There was a long motorcycle ride that ended at mom's house, were the bike has taken up residence for a few months.
This coming weekend promises to be better, by the virtue that I get to be with Susan for an entire week! Unless she gets tired of me and decides to use her Southwest gift certificate to fly home. The only downside is I have to move furniture. But that is far outweighed by the pluses. Well, that's all. Theres discussion of one last gathering at the old apartment before giving it up. Of course it will be BYOB, and BYO food, and BO chairs, and BYO cups, and BYO plates.
Hope all are good, and I really didn't apply for a new credit card. I'm not looking for more debt. AMF!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
This too shall pass.
o its occurred to me that I'e been really slack about keeping touch with almost everyone who is not Susan, Grace, or some one I live with. I even noticed the other day I forgot 2 peoples birthdays this month. Ironically the only 2 people I know who have birthdays this month. It seems I've become overly reliant on myspace to remind me when to send out greetings.
So to all my pals who are like family and family who are great pals, apologies for being sort of out of it. Things ar ebeing unnecessarily hectic and stressful. i forgot how much a pain in the ass moving can be, and its only been a year since I last did it. Granted the last move was across the parking lot, so there as much less packing involved.
And I look around the new place and realize theres tons of suff I need to do to make it right. Blinds and/or curtains to purchase. Decor, and ust simple things like getting a TV in here... followed by cable. Unfortunately, the finaces seem to be lacking. hopefully that will change shortly. Not paying 2 rents will help. ANd on that note, when did food become so damn expensive??? I spent $150 at Kroger yesterday, and feel like I got very little. Granted I'm not buying food in its raw material form, but I'm also working with limited cooking utensils for the moment (which I discovered tonight when I went to make grilled cheeses and noticed a lack of frying pan).
At least all these issues are temporary in nature, and It just takes time and patience. Neither of which I have an abundance of at the moment. I seem to be in a position where I have 2 homes, and neither of them really feel like a "home" at the moment.
Again, in time.
Otherwise, work is fine, we're taking a break from training for a few weeks while the assistants rotate through vacations. The first couple days this week were fairl busy, getting everything caught up that had been neglected while we were in training. But today, nothing! Boring. The most excitement I had was discovering a new version of an online Jepp viewer. Yes, it's sad that was the excitement of the day for me.
So to all my pals who are like family and family who are great pals, apologies for being sort of out of it. Things ar ebeing unnecessarily hectic and stressful. i forgot how much a pain in the ass moving can be, and its only been a year since I last did it. Granted the last move was across the parking lot, so there as much less packing involved.
And I look around the new place and realize theres tons of suff I need to do to make it right. Blinds and/or curtains to purchase. Decor, and ust simple things like getting a TV in here... followed by cable. Unfortunately, the finaces seem to be lacking. hopefully that will change shortly. Not paying 2 rents will help. ANd on that note, when did food become so damn expensive??? I spent $150 at Kroger yesterday, and feel like I got very little. Granted I'm not buying food in its raw material form, but I'm also working with limited cooking utensils for the moment (which I discovered tonight when I went to make grilled cheeses and noticed a lack of frying pan).
At least all these issues are temporary in nature, and It just takes time and patience. Neither of which I have an abundance of at the moment. I seem to be in a position where I have 2 homes, and neither of them really feel like a "home" at the moment.
Again, in time.
Otherwise, work is fine, we're taking a break from training for a few weeks while the assistants rotate through vacations. The first couple days this week were fairl busy, getting everything caught up that had been neglected while we were in training. But today, nothing! Boring. The most excitement I had was discovering a new version of an online Jepp viewer. Yes, it's sad that was the excitement of the day for me.
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